#queclasetipa: Amanda of Mandalynn
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Amanda Dukeheart, designer of Mandalynn a swimwear line carried at local boutiques and sported and adored by local gals, chats with miami nice about Ocean Drive mannequins (ugh), bikinis with saggy butts, and the return of the tankini...
First of all, hit me with the basics, who are you? What do you do?
I'm 24 and don't think I will ever feel like an "adult". I studied design in NYC at Parsons for 2 years and then transferred to the Art Institute of Miami. I graduated the Art institute in Oct of 2010 and immediately got a job at a lingerie/swimwear company called Eberjey in Miami.
After spending a little less than a year there I decided I really wanted to do my own thing. I had been making my own bikinis for about 2 years selling them on consignment to a couple boutiques and decided I really wanted to do it full on. I ended up presenting it at Miami Swim Week and everything just kind of went from there. I didn't get ANY buyers at the show. However, I did get some good feedback and that was enough to make me want to keep at it. I knew I had a good product and just had to get the right audience interested!
Give me the run down of your relationship with Miami- I know you lived and worked here a while and now you live elsewhere, but Miami is a big part of
Mandalynn
.
I first moved to Miami I was completely unsure of what I would think of it. I had only previously been on family vacations there so all I knew about Miami was Ocean Drive and mannequins with breast implants. Enough said.
However, once I moved down there by myself and met people, my opinion changed. Most of the friends I made had actually grown up in Miami, so I really got to experience it from the "locals". I always always say nothing but good things about Miami when talking about it to people up North who are unsure of it. I could talk about Miami forever, I really do love it.
The beach, the pool parties, my first regatta (haha), the upscale clubs and even better the hole-in-the-wall dive bars.
I have had way too many good times in Miami to count. It really is a beautiful place. I currently live back at home in Baltimore now mainly to make better use of my money instead of spending it on high rent. I think Miami will always be like a second home to me though.
Miami is a BIG part of
Mandalynn
. It's sexy, fun, and uninhibited. Some of my bikinis are definitely meant to be worn to parties and events while others are a little more low-key and can just be worn while catching some rays on the beach.
What do you think about the monokini trend? Long-lasting or just another tankini?
I think monokinis, if made in the right way they can be super flattering. I think they (tankinis) will make a comeback.
I actually plan on including a version of a tankini in my next collection and I'm super excited about it!
What are your personal rules and standards for picking out a bathing suit? Any tips?
My biggest pet peeve is a saggy butt.
Please, please don't get a suit with a saggy butt.
They are the worst!! I love a bottom with wider sides and a little cheeky in the back (much like a boyshort). I just really think it's the most flattering.
As far as the tops it really de
pends on your bra size but If your flat chested like me then you can really get away with the tiny bandeaus and little triangles. If you're a little more endowed in that area then you could go for the tops that can be more adjustable and have more support. When it comes to my line, I would say the Maya top and Bryn top are better for girls with a little more...
Who are your biggest design influences?
I really like VPL when it comes to influencing my swimwear designs. I loved Balmains fall collection this year. I also love Jasper Goodall's graphics and always have.
bikini by jasper goodall
Best hole-in-the-wall to grab a bite? Drink?
Ted's Hideaway.. there's always some old man waiting to hit on me or my friends. The Room too which was literally outside one of my apartments on the beach..but that isn't really a hole-in-the-wall bar its just small and dark!
A local jewelry designer once told me she finds inspiration in the stained glass windows at Larios, are there any very specific places that you find inspiring, design-wise
Girls in Miami aren't afraid to show a little cheek and that's great.
What's the biggest mistake that you see girls make when in swim gear?
They don't pay attention to their own body. The most important thing when picking out your bikini is knowing your body type and what's flattering on you.